OBC vs non OBC cluster MY02

[babeins]

Hello all, I was reading about the OBC hack and the different clusters that were introduced in MY02 between OBC and non-OBC units. My question is, what are the advantages of upgrading the non OBC cluster to one with OBC? Will it work on my non-OBC car? (I'd like to do the OBC hack in the future) Is the cluster change worth while? Is anything special required meaning a trip to the dealer. Now I'm not asking about the hack itself, just the cluster. I have MY02 non-OBC, cluster is from a MY03 with OBC. Thanks

[Loren]

Changing from non-OBC to OBC on any cluster is easy with a PST2 or PIWIS.

If the car did not have OBC then you need to wire the 4th stalk or wire in a dash switch.

On MY00 and older Boxsters when you turned OBC on in the cluster you immediately saw the outside temperature displayed.

In MY01 and newer Boxsters when you turn on OBC in the cluster you see no change until the stalk (or switch) is added.

[whall]

On an MY02 (non-MOST Bus) car, swapping one Boxster instrument cluster for another Boster instrument cluster, there are only a couple of things I can think of that should be considered:

1. You'll need your radio code, and

2. You'll need to address the mileage situation on the odometer. (The mileage can't be reset by a PST2/PIWIS/Duramatic software unless the new instrument cluster is new - less than 60-62 miles/100kms. The mileage can be reset by a VDO repair shop.)

The benefit of having a factory original OBC instrument cluster is that you will have a dot matrix display capable of showing a multitude of icons and warning messages. If you do the OBC hack with your original non-factory original OBC instrument cluster you will be limited to displaying temperature, average speed, average MPG, miles to empty, trip odometer and speed warning gong in a lighted segment type display....still nice to have but not as comprehensive as the factory original OBC installation.

BTW, I'd recommend the "full monte" with the four stalk switch unit. There have been a couple of RennTech members who have managed to install the OBC switch on their oiginal switch unit without removing the airbag and stering wheel. There is a new thread on the board - somewhere - that documents that procedure. If, however, you are concerned with the material condition of you existing switch unit or are contemplating hacking the cruise control, you will need to replace the entire four stalk switch unit.

Bill

Good morning Loren!

Edited August 9, 2008 by whall

[babeins]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info. I think I'm going to go with the 4th stalk. I read about not having to remove everything, I may try that route. I also found searching, there is a shop that will change the mileage to match my unit for $150 bucks. Seems pretty reasonable. :D

ABE